Can social media posts be considered prior art?
Yes, social media posts can be considered prior art, provided they meet the public accessibility requirements. The MPEP specifically addresses this: “Social media websites on the Internet, such as YouTube®, Twitter®, Facebook®, and public forum posts, can be a source of prior art, provided the public accessibility requirements, as laid out in subsection I are…
Read MoreCan patent examiners use social media websites during Internet searches?
Patent examiners are allowed to visit social media websites that provide for public interactions as part of their Internet search. However, there are strict limitations on how they can interact with these platforms. The MPEP states: “As part of an Internet search, examiners may visit social media websites that provide for public interactions, but are…
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